Process and apparatus for treating threads in tubes



Nov. 29, 1955 E. .1. GRISET, JR 2,725,276

PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING THREADS IN TUBES Filed Oct. 20, 1949 8 Sheets-Sheet l FIN/Sh SOD/444 SULF/DE ATTO/PNEV Nov. 29, 1955 E. J. GRISET, JR 2,725,276

PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING THREADS IN TUBES Filed Oct. 20, 1949 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 I N VEN TOR. Ernest J zz' ez A T TOIQNEY Nov. 29, 1955 E. J. GRISET, JR 2,725,276

PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING THREADS IN TUBES 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Oct. 20, 1949 I N VEN TOR.

Nov. 29, 1955 E. J. GRISET, JR 2,725,276

PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING THREADS IN TUBES 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Oct. 20, 1949 A TTOR/VEY Nov. 29, 1955 E. J. GRISET, JR 2,725,276

PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING THREADS IN TUBES Filed Oct. 20, 1949 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 I N VEN TOR.

A T TOPNEY Nov. 29, 1955 E. J. GRISET, JR 2,725,275

PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING THREADS IN TUBES 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed 001.. 20, 1949 I N VEN TOR. finest-I. fiz'seL-fz:

ATTOPNEY Nov. 29, 1955 E. .1. GRISET, JR 2,725,276

PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING THREADS IN TUBES Filed Oct. 20, 1949 8 Sheets-Sheet '7 I N VEN TOR.

TTOfF/YEY Nov. 29, 1955 E. J. GRISET, JR 2,725,276

PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING THREADS IN TUBES 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed Oct. 20, 1949 I N VEN TOR. lflzarhl zjseziuk ATTOKA/EX United States Patent 2,725,276 Patented Nov. 29, 1955 PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING THREADS IN TUBES Ernest J. Griset, Jr., Asheville, N. C., assignor to American Enka Corporation, Erika, N. C., a corporation of Delaware Application October 20, 1949, Serial No. 122,560

28 Claims. (Cl. 8-4512) This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending application Serial No. 91,253, filed May 4, 1949, now abandoned.

The present invention relates to the treatment of filamentous materials such as threads, filaments, fibers, yarns and the like hereinafter referred to generically as threads, and more particularly the invention is directed to the continuous aftcrtreatment of freshly spun synthetic threads. in its more specific aspects, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for the continuous spinning of viscose rayon threads which require further processing after initial coagulation in one or more acid baths.

At the present stage of development of the art of continuous spinning, it is recognized that the greatest commercial success has been achieved by those aftertreating systems which involve the use of mechanical devices for storing and propelling the yarn while it is being subjected to the action of various aftertreating liquids. Despite the commercial success of some of these systems, it has been recognized from the very first that the thread-storage, thread-advancing devices are inherently expensive to install and maintain and impractical from the standpoint of plant space requirements. Consequently there has been much activity with a view to producing thread-storage,.

thread-advancing devices which are cheaper to build, easier to maintain and susceptible of arrangement in various space saving relationships.

Another and theoretically superior approach to the continuous spinning problem has been to devise an aftertreating system in which thread-storage, thread-advancing devices are totally eliminated. Despite the theoretical superiority of a system in which mechanical threadstorage, thread-advancing devices are wholly eliminated, difficulties in threading up such machines and maintaining adequate separation of the aftertreating liquids used have thus far relegated most of the efforts to the state of further experimentation. One scheme has been developed which involves washing a freshly formed thread into a funnel leading to an elongated aftertreating tube and then maintaining a constant head of liquid at the funnel to propel the treating liquid and the thread through the tube. This system results in subjecting the thread to an adequate aftertreatment from the chemical point of view but the system is fraught with difiiculties in respect to threading up and is inherently limited to subjecting the thread to but a single aftertreatment, whereas much of the commercially acceptable rayon is required to be washed, and in the case of viscose rayon, desulphurized, bleached and finished.

U. S. Patent 2,203,793 discloses a multi-stage tube type aftertreating apparatus, but the system is extremely compiicated and involves a series of helicoidal tubes each of which must be threaded up manually. Moreover, there are no positive means shown for facilitating the feedingin of the thread in the initial tube, the equivalent of a suction device being provided at the outlet of the tube to draw the thread therethrough.

It is an object of this invention to overcome the difficulties described above in conjunction with systems for 2 aftertreating rayon yarn without the use of mechanical thread-storage, thread-advancing devices and to produce a multi-stage system in which any number of aftertreating operations in any sequence can be applied to succeeding portions of freshly spun thread while spinning-in or threading-up difiiculties and problems incident to the separate recovery of aftertreating liquids after use are avoided.

It is a more specific object of this invention to provide apparatus for the aftertreatrnent of rayon which is comprised of relatively movable parts that assume one relative position during feeding-in and another relative position during aftertreatment so that feeding-in can be accomplished by the use of a single liquid and with minimum consumption of operator time, whereas once the feeding-in or threading is accomplished, the liquid of each stage can be maintained separate from the liquid of other stages throughout the entire operating period.

Another object of this invention is a method that can be practiced by utilizing the principles involved in the foregoing apparatus, namely, natural or synthetic threads can be subjected to continuous aftertreatments with different treating liquids while maintaining the liquids separate.

It is proposed according to this invention to provide a continuous spinning system of practically unlimited chemical versatility and of unusual compactness whereby economy in plant space is effected while a high degree of flexibility is afforded in the event of requirement of the production of differently aftertreated threads.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of several embodiments thereof in conjunction with the annexed drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a complete aftertreating system according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary view in side elevation of relatively movable aftertreating conduits according to the present invention, the feeding-in positionbeing shown in broken lines and the aftertreating position being shown in full lines;

Figure 3 is a view in horizontal section showing apparatus for introducing the thread into an aftertreating conduit and for guiding the thread in its egress from that conduit;

Figure 4 is a view in transverse section taken on the line 44 of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a detailed View in elevation of a bifurcated guide for guiding the thread in a convenient position for easy introduction into the first aftertreating conduit;

Figure 6 is a schematic view of a preferred position of a guide of the Figure 5 type in association with aftertreating apparatus according to the present invention;

Figure 7 is a view in side elevation of a modified form of the apparatus according to the present invention in which the aftertreating tubes are horizontally oifset for greater compactness;

Figure 8 is a top plan view of the apparatus of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a view in section taken along the line 9-9 of Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a view in section taken along the line Iii-10 of Figure 8;

Figure 11 is a view in section taken along the line 1111 of Figure 8; 1

Figure 12 is a view in section taken along the line 1212 of Figure 8;

Figure 13 is a view in section taken along the line 1313 of Figure 8;

Figure 14 is a view in section taken along the line 1414 of Figure 8;

Figure 15 is a perspective view of an operating member for relatively shifting parts of the machine to change over from a spinning-in position to an aftertreating position;

Figure 16 is a perspective view of a movable deflector trough of the type which is employed in the apparatus of Figures 7 to 14, inclusive;

Figure 17 is a perspective view of a stationary deflector trough which coacts with the movable deflector of Figure l6; and

Figures 18, 19, 20 and 21 are views in elevation of various forms of thread carrying tubes suitable for use with the form of the invention shown in Figures 7 to 17, inclusive.

Broadly speaking this invention involves the introduction of a running thread or yarn into a tube and the propulsion of the thread through that tube by a liquid. The machine is so arranged that the introduction of threads into the tubes is effected by water and then by a relative shifting of the parts of the machine, treating liquids are substituted for the wash water and these liquids are separately recovered from each of the tubes for regeneration and recycling as may be required.

In Figure 1, the system is illustrated in conjunction With one aftertreating sequence which is susceptible of performance. in accordance with the present invention. It will be apparent, however, from the following portions of this specification that the present invention is suitable for use with a wide variety of aftertreating operations involving successive chemical treatments of a running threadin various sequences.

The particular sequence illustrated in Figure 1 involves the successive treatment of succeeding portions of freshly spun viscose rayon with recycled water, sulfuric acid, hot fresh water, sodium sulfide, hot fresh water and finishing material. To this end a yarn 10, indicated in broken lines, is led from a stretching device, not shown, associated with a spinning arrangement of conventional form, and is passed successively through a plurality of tubes 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16, wherein it is subjected to the action of various aftertreating liquids and, after issuing from the tube 16, it is dried while being passed over shrinkage compensating rollers 17 and 18. The thread is then led to a twister or other take up device, not shown.

Since, in, the illustrated process it has been found economically practical to begin the aftertreatment with a wash with recycled water, the tube 11 is connected by a supply pipe 19, provided with flow controlling valves 20 and 21, to a recycled water supply tank 22. The sulfuric acid treating tube 12 is connected by a flexible coupling 23 to a valve system 24 which, in turn, is connected by a pipe 25 to a sulfuric acid supply tank 26.

The tube 13 is connected through a valve 27 to a pipe 28 which is, in turn, connected through a valve 29 to a hot water supply tank 38 and the tube is similarly connected to the tank 30 through a pipe 31 and a valve 32, the pipe 31 leading into the pipe 28 at a T connection between the valves 27 and 29. The tube 14 is supplied with sodium sulfide from a flexible conduit 33 connected to a valve system 34 which is connected to the sodium sulfide supply tank 35 by a conduit 36. The tube 16, which supplies yarn finishing material to the yarn 10, is connected by a flexible coupling 37 to a valve system 38 which, in turn, is connected to the finish liquid supply tank 39 by a conduit 40. The conduit 40 is provided with a valve at 41 adjacent the tank 39 and similar valves 42 and 43 are provided respectively in the conduits 36 and 25.

Each of the tubes 11 to 16, inclusive, includes a yarn receiving funnel through which the thread is introduced into the particular tube and there is also associated With each tube a liquid receiving funnel for receiving the treating liquid which issues from its end. The yarn receiving funnels shown in Figure I bear reference numerals 44 -to 49, inclusive, and the liquid receiving funnels bear reference numerals 58, 51, 52, 53, 53', 54 and 55.

The liquid receiving funnel is connected through a pipe 56 to a waste liquid receiver, not shown, and a similar arrangement involving respectively pipes 57 and 58 is employed in conjunction with funnels 53 and 55. On the other hand, the funnel 51 is connected by a pipe 59 to a sulfuric acid make up tank 68. This tank is connected through a conduit 61 and a valve 62 to a pump 63 which, through a conduit 64 and a valve 65, delivers to acid tank 26.

The liquid recovery funnel 52 is connected through a pipe 66 to a water recycle and make up tank 67 and a conduit 68 leads from that tank through a valve 69 to a pump 70. The pump 70 delivers through a valve 71 into a pipe 72 leading to the recycle water tank 22.

The liquid recovery funnel 53 is connected through a pipe 73 to a sodium sulfide make up tank 74 and that tank is connected by a pipe 75 containing a valve 76 to a pump 77. The discharge of the pump 77 passes through a valve 78 to a conduit 79 leading to the sodium sulfide storage tank 35.

The finishing liquid recovered by the funnel 54 is similarly returned to tank 39. In this case a pipe 80 leads to the finishing liquid make up tank 81 and a conduit 82 having a valve 83 therein connects the tank 81 to a pump 84. The output of the pump 84 passes through valve 85 and conduit 86 to tank 39.

It is to be noted that no water is returned to the tank 30. This tank, which is associated with heating apparatus in a manner to insure a continuous supply of hot water, is supplied with cold make up water led in through a conduit 87 and a valve 88. The conduit 87 taps the main water supply line 89 and that line is also tapped by a distributor pipe 90 one end of which leads through a valve 91 to the funnel 44 and the other end of which leads to the valve system 38. Branch pipes 92 and 93 lead from the distributor pipe 90 to the valve systems 24 and 34, respectively.

With the foregoing description of the basic structural parts of the apparatus and the mode of delivery of liquids to and withdrawal of liquids from the various tubes 11 to 16, inclusive, the operation of the machine can now be explained in greater detail.

It is perfectly apparent that, in the first instance, the machine must be threaded up, which in this case involves successively introducing a thread end into the thread receiving funnels 44, 45, 46, 47, 48 and 49. The procedure involves washing the thread into the funnel and then propelling it along in the tube by the use of liquids. The details of the apparatus for doing this are shown in Figures 3 and 4 and will be hereinafter more fully described. It is apparent, however, that it is desirable to align the ends of the several tubes with the next succeeding thread receiving funnel so that the thread may be washed into the first tube, out of its exit end into the next, and so on until it emerges from the right-hand end of tube 16. It is likewise apparent that once the thread is spun in, it is desirable that the liquids in the several tubes not be permitted to intermix as would be the case if each tube discharged into the thread receiving funnel of the next tube. Accordingly, an arrangement is provided such that during spinning-in, the exit ends of the several tubes register with the thread receiving funnels, whereas during the actual aftertreating operation the tubes are relatively shifted so that their exit ends register not with the thread receiving funnels but with the liquid receiving funnels. To this end the tubes 11, 13 and 15 are mounted in fixed position on standards 94 and 95 while the tubes 12, 14 and 16 are mounted on standards 96 and 97 which are connected together as by a bar 98 for movement relative to the tubes 11, 13 and 15. It is to be understood that in the actual apparatus as designed and built, the framework including the bars 96, 97 and 98 will be suitably braced and mounted for sliding movement relative to the fixed standards 94 and 95. Some arrangement such as the rack and pinion 99 shown in Figure 1 is provided to relatively shift the tubes 12, 14 and 16 with respect to the tubes 11, 13 and 15 from the spinning-in to the aftertreating positions. Since the relative movement involves actual movement on the part of the tubes 12, 14 and 16, these tubes are connected to the valve systems 24, 34 and 38 by flexible conduits 23, 33 and 37, respectively. In the position of Figure 1 which is the aftertreating position, the flexible couplings are somewhat extended. In the spinning-in position which involves the shifting of the tubes 12, 14 and 16 to the left of their Figure 1 position, the flexible couplings 23, 33 and 37 will be somewhat compressed.

During spinning-in it is desirable that the thread be washed through all of the pipes by water. Accordingly, the valve systems 24, 34 and 38 are interconnected as by a bar 100 in such a way that in the spinning-in position of the machine, water is supplied from the distributor pipe 90 to each of the couplings 23, 33 and 37, whereas, in the position shown in the drawing, the coupling 23 is provided with sulfuric acid, the coupling 34 with sodium sulfide and the coupling 37 with finishing liquid.

In the initiation of the spinning operation, the tubes 12, 14 and 16 are shifted to the left of their Figure 1 position so that the funnels 45, 47 and 49 lie in registry below the outlets of the tubes 11, 13 and 15 respectively and so that the ends of tubes 12, 14 and 16 are brought into registry with funnels 46, 48 and 55. The relative positions assumed by the parts can best be understood by reference to the broken line positions illustrated in Figure 2. In this position thread or yarn led from a source not shown is passed over a godet 101 (see Figure 6) and is then led downwardly across the tines of a guiding fork 102 and upwardly to a waste collecting roller 103 mounted on the same shaft as godet 101. The valve 91 is opened and water is introduced into the funnel 44 from the pipe 90 and the cold water supply line 89. In view of the adjustment of valve assemblies 24, 34 and 38, pipes 12, 14 and 16 are also supplied with cold water. Water from the tank 30 is supplied to the tubes 13 and 15 by opening of valves 27, 29 and 32. Thus all of the tubes are supplied with running water under the pressure required to maintain a velocity sufficient to cause the thread to feed in properly. Naturally the velocity of the wateris greater than the velocity of the thread at all times, as this is essential to propel the thread. When this condition prevails spinning-in may commence and, to effect the spinning-in or threading of the apparatus, it is only necessary for the operator to cut the yarn running between the tines of the fork 102. As soon as the yarn is cut, the descending free end issuing from the godet 101 is washed by the liquid issuing from the pipe 90 into the top of the funnel 44. The cut length is immediately wound on to the waste collector 103.

As the thread end falls into the funnel 44, it is subjected to the action of a venturi which is comprised of a nozzle 104 through which water from the pipe 19 is supplied under the flow conditions described above. The effect of the flow restriction caused by the nozzle 104 is to create a high velocity low pressure condition within the neck of the funnel. To take advantage of this condition, an annular flange 105 is provided on the frustoconical end 106 of the tube 11. Thus the thread is washed into the tube 11 and proceeds to the left-hand end of that tube as can best be visualized by reference to Figure 3. The discharge end of the tube 11 is provided with a bend at 107 which is made with a slight rise which functions to position the yarn in the center of the liquid stream to reduce the frictional drag against the bottom of the tube and to insure that the thread will run freely into the funnel 45. By reference to Figure 2 it can be seen that the tubes 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 are also provided with bends of this character.

The thread, upon entry into the funnel 45 which corresponds internally to the structure of the funnel 44 shown in Figure 3, moves to the right of tube 12 as shown in Figure 2 and issues into funnel 46. It then proceeds through tube 13, funnel 47, tube 14, funnel 48, tube 15, funnel 49 and finally out of the end of tube 16 into collecting funnel 55. All of these funnels are similar in construction to facilitate the introduction of thread into the corresponding tubes. A loop is drawn between the end of the tube 16 and the collecting funnel 55 and that loop is led to a waste collector, not shown.

With the conditions now prevailing, thread is running in the entire apparatus, but it is being subjected only to the action of water in order to get the running lengths mechanicallly in position for aftertreatment. At this point, the rack and pinion 99 is actuated to shift the tubes 12, 14 and 16 to the position shown in Figure 1 and in the full lines of Figure 2. Through the interlock with the valve systems 24, 34 and 38, this shift disconnects the flexible connections 23, 33 and 37 from the water supply line and connects them respectively with hot sulfuric acid, sodium sulfide and finish. Valve 91 is shut off, but valves 20, 27 and 32 are left open to supply respectively recycled water and fresh hot water. At this point the thread issuing from the end of the tube 16 is removed from the waste collection device, not shown, and is led to drying, twisting or any other desired take up mechanism.

The structural design of the two-prong thread guide 102 can be understood largely by reference to Figure 5 in which it is illustrated in plan and to an enlarged scale. The guide 102 is made of glass and includes a supporting stem 108 which fits intova conventional thread guide holder for positioning relative to the remainder of the apparatus as is indicated in Figure 6. The tines or prongs of the guide 102 are provided with indentations at 109 and 110 and these indentations serve to position the thread over the funnel 44 and with the descending run in position to be engaged by the water issuing from the outlet spigot on the pipe to be washed into the funnel when the thread running between the tines of the guide is cut.

Upon reference to Figures 3 and 4 it will be noted that the funnel 44 is provided with a drain shank 111 and from Figure 2 it is apparent that the funnels 45, 46, 47, 48 and 49 are similarly equipped. During the threading of the-machine while liquids are being supplied to the mouths of these funnels, liquid is discharged from their respective drain shanks. Since spinning-in or threading consumes only a few seconds, the discharge from the funnel shanks is quite inconsequential and may be caught in a basin located below each of them. After the aftertreating operation has started there is virtually no discharge at all from these shanks and no liquid recovery provisions are required.

The velocity at which the thread is propelled through the several tubes can be varied over a wide range and the velocity used depends on many factors, such as the type of thread to be treated and the physical and chemical properties required in the finished product. 7 In the case of aftertreating freshly spun viscose rayon, it is sometimes desirable to utilize high spinning speeds in the interests of economy. A process involving such high speed spinning is described and claimed in Levison et al. application Serial No. 81,844, filed March 16, 1949, Patent No. 2,566,455, assigned to the same assignee as the present application. Since the threads treated in the present system may be propelled at relatively high speeds, for example, above meters per minute, this system is particularly adaptable to the process described in the said application. At these high speeds the thread is propelled through all of the tubes in a matter of several secends when the length of the individual tubes is of the order of 80 centimeters.

While in Figure 1 there is shown schematically a shifting mechanism for relatively shifting groups of tubes lengthwise, it is apparent that so long as the outlet of a tube is shiftable to register either with the thread receiving funnel of the nexttube or the liquid recovery funnel of the next tube, the difiiculties of the prior art are overcome. In other words, not only may the tubes be shifted lengthwise, but they may be shifted at right angles to their long axes, may be relatively oscillated or relatively offset about vertical axes. Likewise, the discharge spigots of the tubes may be rendered shiftable.

Upon reference to Figures 7 to 17, inclusive, a modified form of the invention in which the tubes are maintained stationary can be understood. As is explained hereinbefore, the machine is arranged so that the introduction of the thread into tubes is effected by water and then, by a relative shifting of the parts of the machine, treating liquids are substituted for the wash water and these liquids are separately recovered from each of the tubes for regeneration or recycling as may be required. In view of the fact that the flow diagram which constitutes Figure 1 illustrates a typical arrangement of valves, conduits, and tanks for the supply of the treating liquids, that portion of the apparatus is omitted from Figures 7 to 17, inclusive.

The major difference between the apparatus of Figures 1 l to 6, inclusive, and that of Figures 7 to 17, inclusive, lies in the nature of the relatively movable parts. In Figures 1 to 6, inclusive, the tubes themselves are arranged for relative shifting, while in Figures 7 to 17, inclusive, the tubes are maintained stationary and a deflector trough arrangement is shifted from a spinning-in position to an aftertreating position so that the liquid used to wash the thread into the tubes is recovered in one conduit while the liquid used for aftertreating is recovered in another.

In Figure 8 there is shown an ll-tube arrangement suitable for the aftertreatment of freshly spun viscose yarn. The tubes are numbered 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121 and 122. During aftertreating, tube 112 is supplied with hot water, tube 113 is supplied with sulfuric acid at 90 0, tubes 114 and 115 are provided with hot water, tube 116 is provided with 3% sodium sulfide, tubes 117 and 118 are provided with hot water, tube 119 is provided with 0.5% sodium chlorite, tubes 120 and 121 are provided with hot water and tube 122 is provided with 0.4% of a finishing solution. During spinning-in, all of the tubes are provided with Water.

Tubes 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 and 122 are fed from supply conduits 123 to 128, respectively, which are located at the left end of the machine as it is viewed in Figure 8, while conduits 129 to 133, inclusive, supply respectively tubes 113, 115, 117, 119 and 121, the conduits 129 to 133, inclusive, being located at the right end of the machine as it is viewed in Figure 8. Since all of the tubes except 112 and 122 are fed and discharged in like manner, an understanding of all of them can be had by referring only to the feeding arrangements for the tubes 112 and 122, and any one of the group from 113 to 121, inclusive.

Each of the tubes is associated with a deflector trough housing at each end and the housings 134 and 135 which are associated with tube 122 show in Figure 7. In Figure 9, deflector trough housing 134 is shown again, as well as similar housings 136, 137, 138, 139 and 140, serving respectively tubes 120, 118, 116, 114 and 112. In Figure 10, housing 135 appears again, as well as housing 141 which serves tube 121. In Figure 13, there is shown the interior detail of housing 142 which serves tube 113, while in Figure 14, the interior detail of housing 135 is illustrated. Figure 11 illustrates the interior detail of housing 140 and Figure 12 illustrates the construction of housing 139.

It can now be seen that by tracing the operation of the invention from Figure 11 to Figure 13 to Figure 12 to Figure 14, the operation of the equipment in all of the deflector trough housings can be understood. Otherwise stated, the construction, except for housings 140 and 135, corresponds in all instances to one or the other of Figures 12 and 13.

When spinning in is to be initiated, all of the tubes are supplied with water from an appropriate arrangement similar to that shown in Figure 1. Thread from a suitable source not shown is led downwardly (see Figure 11) over a vitreous guide 143 having a thread guiding notch in its bottom edge (see Figure 9) to a temporary collecting device not shown. The upper portion'of the guide 143 is encased in and supported by a capsule-like body 144. The body 144 is connected to and supported by a pipe 145 which in turn is supported from a bracket 146 connected to the housing 140. Water is led to the interior of the capsule-like member 144, and this water is supplied to the lower end of the guide 143 through the capsule mouth 147. When the thread is being taken up on the temporary collecting device and is running in the full line position of Figure 11, a movable deflector trough 148, with which the housing 140 is equipped, is adjusted to the position shown in Figure 11 and the thread is cut as indicated at X in that figure. The effect of the water issuing from the capsule 144 is to wash the thread over movable trough 148 and a coacting stationary trough 149 to the flared funnel mouth 150 leading to the tube 112. The thread is then propelled into the funnel mouth of the tube 112 by the jet of water issuing from the nozzle end of the supply conduit 123 and is carried by that water to the other side of the apparatus to be discharged. The tube 112 discharges into a movable deflector trough 151 which is located in the housing 142, see Figure 13, and the thread, guided by the movable trough 151 and the coacting stationary trough 152 is guided to the mouth of the tube 113. The water issuing from the nozzle end of the conduit 129 washes the thread into and through the tube 113. The liquid in tube 113, see Figure 12, discharges against movable deflector trough 153 in housing 139 when the trough 153 is in the position shown in dotted lines, and is guided by that part and by stationary deflector trough 154 to the funnel mouth of the tube 114. This'continues through tubes 114 to 122, inclusive, and tube 122 discharges through a gooseneck 155 against a bafrle'156 into a waste collecting drainage receptacle 157 located in the housing 135. When the spinning-in has been completed, the running thread issuing from the nozzle 155 is broken, the waste is retained in container 157 and the running thread is led around a freely rotatable guiding wheel 158 from the housing 135 to a point of collection. When a changeover is made from the spinning-in position to the aftertreating position, all of the various deflector troughs such as 148, 151 and 153, as well as baflie 156, are moved from one position to the other. The spinning-in position for deflectors 148 and 151 is shown in full lines in Figures 11 and 13. The spinningin position of deflector 153 is shown in broken lines in Figure 12 and s0 is the spinning-in position of baflle 156 in Figure 14.

With the foregoing description of the general procedure in threading in the apparatus and passage of the thread through it, more detailed reference can be made to the structure of the various parts contained in the housings as well as to the details of construction of these housings. If now concurrent reference is made to Figures 11, 13, 15, 16 and 1.7, a more detailed understanding of the various parts can be had.

Referring first to housing 140 and its contents, the deflector trough 148 is actually nothing more than a liquid guiding channel which is arranged, when in one position, to guide liquid in a certain direction, and in the otherposition, to permit liquid to by-pass it. It operates in coaction with a fixed deflector trough such as 149. The fixed deflector 149 has holes in it at 159 and 160, see Figures 16 and 17, and these holes act as bearings for studs which project from either side of the movable deflector 148, see in this regard the studs 161 which show in Figures 11 and 16. The studs such as 161 are seated in the holes such as 159 and 161 so that the deflector 148 is mounted for pivotal movement. The under face of the deflector 148 in one position comes to rest against the upper face 162 of the stationary deflector 149. In the other-position the face 163 of the movable deflector 148 rests against an inclined plane 164 constituting a part of the housing 140, see Figure ll. A channel at 165 is provided in one face of the movable deflector 148 and this channel, in the full line position of Figure 11, registers with and leads to a like channel 166 in the stationary deflector 149.

Stationary deflector 149 has been described as the sup port for movable deflector 148, but the stationary'deflector is itself supported from the housing 140, The housing 140 is composed of two parts which may be castings and which are held together by bolts such as 167, five of which show in Figure 11. Two bolts 168 pass through the sides of the housing and through the stationary deflector 149 to hold the latter in position.

, The two parts which make up the housing 140 are so cast or machined as to define interior working spaces for the accommodation of the thread tubes, the liquid supply tubes and the discharge of treating liquids therefrom. During aftertreating, when the movable deflector 148 is in the broken line position of Figure 11, liquid issuing from the capsule 144 flows down a spillway defined at the left end of the stationary deflector 149, which spillway can best be understood by reference to Figure 11 wherein it is indicated by reference character 169. Spillway 1659 leads to cavity 178 which, in turn, leads to a discharge conduit 171.

In the spinning-in position, when the movable deflector trough 148 is in the full line position of Figure 11, liquid issuing from the capsule 144 flows through channels 165 and 166 into cavity 172 which is defined between the two halves-of the housing 140. Cavity 172 discharges through a tube or conduit 173;

In addition to the movable and stationary deflectors, there is also mounted in a space defined between the halves of the housing 140, a freely rotatable thread guiding wheel 174. This wheel is mounted on a shaft 175 and the shaft is anchored in the housing. The conduit 123 is guided within the housing by a grommet 176 and it terminates in a nozzle tip which bears reference character 177. The tube 112 is accommodated in a bushing 178 and, as has been previously stated, it has a flared mouth at 150. The flared mouth 150 is kept in axial registry with the nozzle 177 by a bracket 179 which connects conduit 123 and tube 112 and holds them in the proper position of adjustment.

If, as indicated in the drawings, the various tubes and conduits are made of glass, it has been found advantageous to make the bracket 179 of soft lead. While tube 112 and conduit 123 are indicated as made of glass and as connected together by rubber sleeves, it is apparent that the material of construction and the particular arrangement of these tubes is subject to considerable modification.

The equipment contained within the housing 142 which is shown in Figure 13 substantially corresponds in structure and in function to the equipment just described in connection with Figure 11. Thehousing 142 is provided with two cavities 180 and 181 which discharge respectively into conduits 182 and 183. In the spinning-in position, water issuing from the end of conduit 112 is guided by the deflectors 151 and 152 to the cavity 180 from whence it flows through conduit 182. In the aftertreating position, when the movable deflector 151 has been turned in a clockwise direction from the position shown in Figure 13, the aftert reating liquid issuing from conduit 112 flows into the cavity 181 and is discharged through conduit 183 for recirculation, regeneration or collection, as may be required. In Figure 13, a mounting bracket 184 is shown which is typical of all of the mounting brackets used forholding the conduits leading to. a particular housing. The bracket involves a set screw 185 acting through a rubber shim-186. v

Figures 12 and 13 are substantially identical except that they show how the housings look at opposite ends 10 of the machine and it is therefore felt that no particular detailed description of Figure 12 is required and, as has been stated before, the housings between the first one of the system, which is housing 140, and the last of the system, which is housing 135, may all be constructed alike.

In the foregoing description, it can be seen that the action of the movable deflector is the same in each housing. When this deflector is in the aftertreating position, the channel formed between the movable deflector and stationary deflector permits the dischargelof the liquid from the previous tube, or in the case of housing 140, permits discharge of liquid from capsule 144. It is possible to shut off the flow of liquid into the capsule chamber as soon as the spinning-in operation has been effected. In that case there will be no liquid flowing into cavity 171) and conduit 171 in Figure 11 and then it would be unnecessary to provide a movable deflector, since one stationary deflector would serve equally well.

Referring now to Figure 14, it will be seen that the housing is a substantial departure in construction from the other housings employed in this system. It has, in common with them, internal cavities 187 and 188, but it differs from them in the complete absence of a stationary and movable deflector system of the type shown in Figures 16 and -17. The thread coming through the tube 122, which is the last tube of the system, is ultimately to be led to a drier and twister, or some sort of a collecting device, and consequently during spinning-in, the thread issuing from the discharge end of tube 122 is simply waste and as such is caught in the drain basket 157. Thus, during spinning-in, the baffle 156 is put in the broken line position of Figure 14. The basket157 is located in the cavity 137 and the waste water from the basket leaves the housing 135 through conduit 189. When the system is in aftertreating position, the baflie 156 is moved to the full line position of Figure 14 and the thread end is led around roller 158 out through an aperture 190. Under these conditions, the baffle 156 guides the liquid issuing from the tube 122 into the cavity 188, from which it is withdrawn through conduit 191 for recirculation, regeneration or other disposition as may be required.

Throughout the discussion of Figures 7 to 17, inclusive, frequent reference has been made to movable deflectors and to the movable baifle 156. It has been explained that these parts are mounted for rocking movement and an explanation will now be given as to how the movement is accomplished by an operator. In Figure 15 there is shown a key which consists of an operating knob 192 and a long, flat portion 193. Each of the pivot projections, such as 161 of Figure 16, is provided with an internal slot for the reception of the flat portion 193 and these slots are arranged so that they all register across the machine in all positions of the movable deflectors. Consequently, the key is inserted as indicated in Figure 9 and extends completely across the machine so that all of the deflectors at the left end of the machine of Figure 8 can be turned from spinning-in position to aftertreating position by a single operation. A similar structure and a similar arrangement prevails at the right end of the machine where the projecting operating knob of the key is indicated by reference character 194.

It has been discovered as a part of this invention that the velocity of the liquid immediately adjacent the point where thread is introduced into a tube is important to proper spinning-in. Consequently, the portions of the tube adjacent the thread reception mouth, such as portions corresponding to the portion of the tube 112 immediately to the right of the mouth in Figure 11, may be of reduced cross section compared to the remainder of the tube. This condition is illustrated in Figure 19 where the reduced portion adjacent the month 195 of a tube 196 is indicated at 197. Beyond the reduced portion there is a joint 198 and from the joint to the discharge end of the tube there is no change in cross section. While this reduction is important, it is not essential and the tubes may be made of uniform cross section throughout their length such as the tube 199 of Figure 18. It is believed that loops in the thread can be reduced and a better transfer can be effected if the tube is of enlarged cross section adjacent its discharge end and such a portion of enlarged cross section is indicated at 200 in Figure 20, the remainder of the tube corresponding to the arrangement of Figure 18. Figure 21 constitutes a combination of the arrangement of Figure 19 for the reception of the thread and of Figure 20 for the discharge thereofr In Figure 21, the portion of reduced cross section is indicated by reference character 201, that of increasing cross section by reference character 202, While the intermediate portion is indicated by numeral 203.

Throughout the embodiment embraced by Figures 7 to 21, inclusive, the tubes have been described as generally straight. It is, however, within the scope of the invention to provide curved tubes for the aftertreatments, e. g., U-shaped tubes. In this case each tube returns to the same side of the tube assembly. Such an embodiment may have certain operating advantages in that all of the housings and liquids supply conduits will be located on one side of the machine, thereby permitting the bends in the tubes to be disposed in relatively inaccessible places such as the space under the shafts of a spinning machine. Furthermore, the housing at each side and the tubes therebetween do not have to be arranged in a horizontal plane since it may be expedient to dispose them at an angle which may conceivably include disposing them in vertical relationship, e. g., by turning the apparatus of Figure 8 upright or 90.

Whereas the invention has been described in its application to the production of viscose rayon, it is just as adaptable in the manufacture of other types of synthetic threads, such as those produced by the cuprammonium or cellulose acetate methods. It might also be utilized in the manufacture of casein or in producing staple fiber according to any of the methods. Even latex threads or natural cotton or wool might be aftertreated successfully in this type of apparatus. In fact in any instance where it is necessary to expose a filamentous material to the action of different treating liquids, a system of this nature and character can conceivably be employed.

While several embodiments of the invention have been illustrated, it is to be understood that these embodiments are purely exemplary and for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the basic principles of the present invention.

I What is claimed is:

l. A process for the continuous aftertreatment of thread with a plurality of liquids which comprises initially propelling a thread successively through a series of spaced, confined liquid treating zones by jetting a liquid into each zone while directing egress liquid flowing from each zone across the entrance of the succeeding zone, conveying the thread by a flowing liquid through each zone in a substantially linear direction for most of its travel .therethrough, thereafter isolating the egress liquid of each zone, except that carried by the thread, from the entrance of the succeeding zone and thereafter continuing to treat the thread with a liquid in each zone.

2. A process for the continuous aftertreatment of thread with a plurality'of liquids which comprises initially propelling a thread successively through a series of spaced, generally horizontally disposed, confined liquid treating zones by jetting a liquid into each zone while directing. egress liquid flowing from each zone across the entrance of the succeeding zone, conveying the thread by a flowing liquid through each zone in a substantially linear direction for most of its travel therethrough, thereafter isolating the egress liquid of each zone, except that carried by the thread, from themtrance of the succeeding zone and thereafter continuing to treat the thread with a liquid in each zone, the composition of the liquid being different in at least some of the zones.

3. A process for the continuous aftertreatment of thread with a plurality of liquids which comprises initially propelling a thread successively through a series of spaced, horizontally offset, confined liquid treating zones by jetting a liquid into each zone While directing egress liquid flowing from each zone across the entrance of the succeeding zone, conveying the thread by a flowing liquid through each zone in a substantially linear direction for most of its travel therethrough, thereafter isolating the egress liquid of each zone, except that carried by the thread, from the entrance of the succeeding zone and thereafter continuing to treat the thread with a liquid in each zone, the composition of the liquid being different in at least some of the zones.

4. A process for the continuous aftertreatment of thread with a plurality of liquids which comprises initially propelling a thread successively through a series of spaced, confined liquid treating zones by jetting a liquid into each zone while directing egress liquid flowing from each zone across the entrance of the succeeding zone, conveying the thread by a flowing liquid through each zone in a substantially linear direction for most of its travel therethrough, thereafter isolating the egress liquid of each zone, except that carried by the thread, from the entrance of the succeeding zone and treating the thread with different treating liquids in at least some of the zones While separately recovering the liquid issuing from each zone.

5. A process for the continuous aftertreatment of thread with a plurality of liquids which comprises initially propelling a thread successively through a series of spaced, confined liquid treating zones by jetting a liquid into each zone while directing egress liquid flowing from each zone across the entrance of the succeeding zone, conveying the thread by a flowing liquid through each zone in a substantially linear direction for most of its travel therethrough, and the direction of travel in each succeeding zone being reversed, thereafter diverting the egress liquid of each zone, except that carried by the thread, away from the entrance of the succeeding zone and treating the thread with different treating liquids in at least some of the zones.

6. A process for the continuous treatment of synthetic thread which comprises conveying the thread by means of a liquid in one continuous feeding-in operation through a series of spaced, horizontally disposed liquid treating zones while directing egress liquid flowing from each zone across the entrance of the succeed- I ing zone, subsequently separating the liquid and thread at the egress of each zone by relatively displacing the liquid egress of each zone and the adjacent thread ingress of the next succeeding treating zone, and thereupon passing diflerent treating liquids through some of the treating zones whereby each treating liquid is maintained separate at the egress of each zone as a result of the said relative displacement.

7. In a process for the continuous aftertreatment of freshly spun viscose thread that has been coagulated, partially regenerated in an acid bath and stretched, the steps that comprise initially guiding the thread into contact with liquid that is traveling at a higher velocity than the thread, feeding the thread through a series of interrupted, generally horizontal, confined liquid treating zones in one continuous operation while directing egress liquid flowing from each zone across the entrance of the succeeding zone, subsequently separating the liquid and thread at the egress of each zone by relatively displacing the liquid egress of each zone and the adjacent thread ingress of the next succeeding treating zone and passing at least two difierent treating liquids through the treating zones while maintaining these liquids separate by the said displacement of the liquid egress relative to the adjacent thread ingress.

8. Apparatus for the continuous aftertreatment of thread which comprises a series of spaced tubes for receiving liquids, jet means to supply diflerent treating liquids to at least some of the tubes and to initially feed a thread successively through the tubes in a continuous operation, means for directing egress liquid flowing from each tube across the entrance of the succeeding tube during the feeding-in operation and means for isolating the egress liquid of each tube, except that carried by the thread, from the entrance of each succeeding tube.

9. Apparatus for the continuous aftertreatment of thread which comprises a series of spaced, generally horizontally disposed tubes for receiving liquids, jet means to supply different treating liquids to at least some of the tubes and to initially feed a thread successively through the tubes in a continuous operation, means for directing egress liquid flowing from each tube across the entrance of the succeeding tube during the feedingin operation and means for isolating the egress liquid of each tube, except that carried by the thread, from the entrance of each succeeding tube.

10. Apparatus for the continuous aftertreatment of thread which comprises a series of spaced, horizontally oflset tubes for receiving liquids, jet means to supply difierent treating liquids to at least some of the tubes and to initially feed a thread successively through the tubes in a continuous operation, means for directing egress liquid flowing from each tube across the entrance of the succeeding tube during the feeding-in operation, means for isolating the egress liquid of each tube, except that carried by the thread, from the entrance of each succeeding tube and means for separately recovering the liquid discharged from each tube.

11. Apparatus for the continuous aftertreatment of thread which comprises a series of spaced, generally horizontally disposed tubes that are substantially straight throughout most of their body portion for receiving liquids, jet means to supply different treating liquids to at least some of the tubes and in the opposite direction in each succeeding tube, said jet means also acting to initially feed a thread successively through the tubes in a continuous operation, means for directing egress liquid flowing from each tube across the entrance of the succeeding tube during the feeding-in operation and means for isolating the egress liquid of each tube, except that carried by the thread, from the entrance of each succeeding tube.

12. Apparatus for the liquid treatment of rayon yarn comprising a group of substantially horizontal, vertically spaced tubes each having an outlet, a venturi in each tube near one end thereof, a thread receiving funnel leading to the low pressure zone of each venturi, a plurality of liquid recovery funnels, means mounting each liquid recovery funnel in fixed relation to a thread receiving funnel but spaced therefrom in a direction axially of the tube, jet means to introduce the yarn into the yarn receiving funnel of the first tube of the group, and means to shift axially alternate tubes of said group to register the outlets of each of the tubes with either the respective thread receiving funnel or the respective liquid recovery funnel.

13. Apparatus for the liquid treatment of rayon yarn comprising a group of substantially horizontal, vertically spaced tubes each provided with a bend having a rise therein and each tube having an outlet, a venturi in each tube near one end thereof, a thread receiving funnel leading to the low pressure zone of each venturi, a plurality of liquid recovery funnels, means mounting each liquid recovery funnel in fixed relation to a thread receiving funnel but spaced therefrom in a direction 14 axially of the tube, jet means to introduce the yarn into the yarn receiving tunnel of the first tube of the group, and means to shift axially alternate tubes of said group to register the outlets of each of the tubes with either the respective thread receiving funnel or the respective liquid recovery funnel. I

14. Apparatus for the continuous aftertreatment of synthetic thread which comprises a plurality of spaced tubes arranged in a consecutive series, each tube having a thread and liquid ingress end and a thread and liquid egress end, jet means to project a liquid into the ingress end of each tube, an adjustable deflector for directing the liquids issuing from the egress end of each tube into either of two paths, and means to separately recover the liquids, the deflectors at the egress ends of the tubes being so located with respect to the ingress ends of the next adjacent tubes of the series that one of the paths into which the deflector guides the liquid passes across the ingress end of the next adjacent tube.

15. Apparatus as claimed in claim 14 wherein the cross sectional area of each tube for a portion of its length adjacent its ingress end is smaller than the cross sectional area of the remainder of its length.

16. Apparatus as claimed in claim 14 wherein the cross sectional area of each tube for a portion of its length adjacent its egress end is greater than the cross sectional area of the remainder of its length.

17. Apparatus for the continuous aftertreatment of synthetic thread which comprises a plurality of spaced tubes arranged in a consecutive series, each tube having a thread and liquid ingress end and a thread and liquid egress end, means to project a liquid into the ingress end of each tube, an adjustable deflector for directing the liquid issuing from the egress end of each tube into either of two paths, means to separately recover liquids from one path, the deflectors at the egress ends of the tubes being so located with respect to the ingress ends of the next adjacent tubes of the series that one of the paths into which the deflector guides the liquid passes across the ingress end of the next adjacent tube, and means for simultaneously adjusting a group of said deflectors.

18. Apparatus for the continuous aftertreatment of synthetic thread which comprises a plurality of horizontally ofl'set tubes arranged in a consecutive series, each tube having a thread and liquid ingress end and a thread and liquid egress end, means to project a liquid into the ingress end of each tube, the ingress ends of adjacent tubes lying at opposite ends of the apparatus, a plurality of housings each accommodating an ingress end of a tube and an egress end of the preceding tube of the series, an adjustable deflector in each of said housings for directing the liquid issuing from the egress end of each tube into either of two paths, and means to separately recover liquids from one path, the deflectors at the egress ends of the tubes being so located with respect to the ingress ends of the next adjacent tubes of the series that one of the paths into which the deflector guides the liquid passes across the ingress end of the next adjacent tube.

19. Apparatus for the continuous aftertreatment of synthetic thread which comprises a first housing, a last housing, a plurality of intermediate housings, a plurality of spaced tubes arranged in a consecutive series, each tube having a flared thread and liquid ingress end and a thread and liquid egress end, a nozzle to project a liquid into the flared ingress end of each tube, each intermediate housing accommodating the ingress end of a tube, the nozzle for projecting liquid therein, and the egress end of the preceding tube of the series, a deflector in each of said intermediate housings for directing the liquid issuing from the egress end of the respective tube into either of two paths, means to separately recover liquids from one path, the deflectors at the egress ends of the tubes being so located with respect to the ingress ends of the next adjacent tubes of the series that one of the paths into which the deflector guides the liquid passes across the flared ingress end of the next adjacent tube.

20. Apparatus for propelling a thread which com-. prises a generally horizontally disposed tube, means adjacent the tube for feeding a thread at an angle into one end thereof, tubular liquid supply means in registry with the tube for introducing a liquid into the same end as the thread enters, said tubular liquid supply means progressively decreasing in effective cross-sectional area in the direction of liquid flow and terminating adjacent the liquid inlet end of the tube whereby a high velocity, low pressure condition is created at the point where the thread enters the tube, and a deflector mounted for pivotal movement at the exit end of the tube for directing the liquid issuing therefrom into either of two paths.

21. Apparatus for propelling a thread which comprises a generally horizontally disposed tube having a flared mouth, means above the tube for feeding a thread at an angle into one end thereof, a tubular means in axial alignment with said tube for jetting a liquid into the same end as the thread enters, said tubular means progressively decreasing in effective cross-sectional area in the direction of liquid flow and terminating adjacent the liquid inlet end of the tube whereby a high velocity, low pressure condition is created at the point where the thread enters the tube, and a deflector mounted for pivotal movement at the exit end of the tube for directing the liquid issuing therefrom into either of two paths.

22. Tube spinning apparatus comprising yarn and liquid delivery means, a treating tube, said means having an exit end above and horizontally ofiset from the mouth of said tube, a deflector having a channel therein, and means supporting said deflector for pivotal movement about an axis to and from a position in which its channel defines a path between said exit end and said mouth and a position in which it is out of registry with said exit end.

23. Tube spinning apparatus comprising yarn and liquid delivery means, a treating tube, said means having an exit end above and horizontally offset from the mouth of said tube, a deflector having a channel therein, and means supporting said deflector for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis to and from a position in which its channel defines a path between said exit end and said mouth and a position in which it is out of registry with said exit end.

24, Tube spinning apparatus comprising yarn and liquid delivery means, a treating tube, said means having an exit end above and horizontally offset from the mouth of said tube, a supply tube having a nozzle to inject liquid into said treating tube, a deflector having a channel therein, and means supporting said deflector for pivotal movement about an axis to and from a position in which its channel defines a path between said exit end and said mouth and a position in which it is out of registry with said exit end, said supply tube lying out of the path of movement of said deflector.

25. A process for the continuous aftertreatment of viscose rayon thread with a plurality of liquids which comprises initially propelling a freshly spun thread successively through a series of spaced, confined, liquid treating zones by jetting a liquid into each zone while directing egress liquid flowing from each zone across the entrance of the succeeding zone, conveying the thread by a flowing liquid through each zone in a substantially linear direction for most of its travel therethrough, thereafter isolating the egress liquid of each zone, except that carried by the thread, from the entrance of the succeeding zone and treating the thread with liquid in each zone, said liquid comprising sulfuric acid in at least one of the zones and water in at least one of the zones.

.26. A pr ss for the continu af r re men of viscose rayon thread with a plurality of liquids which comprises initially propelling a freshly spun thread successively through a series of spaced, confined, liquid treating zones by jetting a liquid into each zone while directing egress liquid flowing from each zone across the entrance of the succeeding zone, conveying the thread by a flowing liquid through each zone in a substantially linear direction for most of its travel therethrough, thereafter isolating the egress liquid of each zone, except that carried by the thread, from the entrance of the succeeding zone and treating the thread with liquid in each zone, said liquid comprising hot sulfuric acid in at least one of the zones and hot water in at least one of the zones.

27. in a process for the continuous aftertreatment of freshly spun viscose thread that has been coagulated, partially regenerated in an acid bath and stretched, the steps that comprise initially guiding the thread into contact with liquid that is travelling at a higher velocity than the thread, propelling the thread into and through a series of spaced, generally horizontal, confined liquid treating zones in one continuous operation by jetting a liquid into each zone while directing egress liquid flowing from each zone across the entrance of the succeeding zone, subsequently relatively displacing the liquid egress of each treating zone and the thread ingress of each adjacent treating zone to separate the liquid and thread at the egress of each zone, and passing sulfuric acid through at least one of the treating zones and water through at least one of the treating zones while maintaining the liquids passing through the several treating zones separate by the said displacement of the liquid egress relative to the adjacent thread ingress.

28. In a process for the continuous aftertreatment of freshly spun viscose thread that has been coagulated, partially regenerated in an acid bath and stretched, the steps that comprise initially guiding the thread into contact with liquid that is travelling at a higher velocity than the thread, propelling the thread into and through a series of spaced, generally horizontal, confined liquid treating zones in one continuous operation by jetting a liquid into each zone while directing egress liquid flowing from each zone across the entrance of the succeeding zone, subsequently relatively displacing the liquid egress of each treating zone and the thread ingress of each adjacent treating zone to separate the liquid and thread at the egress of each zone, and passing hot sulfuric acid through a le on f the treating zon s and hot Water through at least one of the treating zones while maintaining the liquids Passing through the several treating zones separate by the said displacement of the liquid egress relative to the adjacent thread ingress.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,061,652 Althouse May 13, 1913 1,609,438 Stoll Dec. 7, 1926 1,683,478 Neidich Sept. 4, 1928 1,871,100 Walton et al. Aug. 9, 1932 2,203,793 Lovett June 11, 1940 2,360,352 Lodge Oct. 17, 1944 2,369,809 Spangler Feb. 20, 1945 2,371,579 Cole et al. Mar. 13, 1945 2,410,336 Carter et al. Oct. 29, 1946 2,425,037 Jackson Oct. 5, 1947 2,622,961 Finlayson Dec. 23, 1952 FOREIGN PATENTS 256,814 Switzerland Sept. 15, 1948 

1. A PROCESS FOR THE CONTINOUS AFTERTREATMENT OF THREAD WITH A PLURALITY OF LIQUIDS WHICH COMPRISES INITIALLY PROPELLING A THREAD SUCCESSIVELY THROUGH A SERIES OF SPACED, CONFINED LIQUID TREATING ZONES BY JETTING A LIQUID INTO EACH ZONE WHILE DIRECTING EGRESS LIQUID FLOWING FROM EACH ZONE ACROSS THE ENTRANCE OF THE SUCCEEDING ZONE, CONVEYIG THE THREAD BY A FLOWING LIQUID THROGH EACH ZONE IN A SUBSTANTIALLY LINEAR DIRECTION FOR MOST OF ITS TRAVEL THERETHROUGH, THEREAFTER ISOLATING THE EGRESS LIQUID OF EACH ZONE, EXCEPT THAT CARRIED BY THE THREAD, FROM THE ENTRANCE OF THE SUCCEEDING ZONE AND THEREAFTER CONTINUING TO TREAT THE THREAD WITH A LIQUID IN EACH ZONE. 